KULIM — The Immigration Department has uncovered fake medical certificates and unlicensed clinics used to secure medical visa applications for healthcare tourism in Malaysia.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said as the medical tourism booms in the country, new concerns over fake documents and sham healthcare facilities have arisen.
Medical tourism in Penang, Melaka and Johor have attracted customers from neighbouring countries, especially Indonesia, Bernama reported him saying today.
“High demand has led to issues such as fake clinics and counterfeit doctor certificates. However, our system is robust enough to detect such fraudulent activities,” he said.
Saifuddin’s comments follow the arrests of 10 Bangladeshi men in a raid on unlicensed clinics operated by foreign doctors.
The arrests were made in a joint operation between the Immigration Department and Health Ministry at nine locations across Kuala Lumpur two days ago.
Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said a syndicate, which has been operating for a year, offering medical treatment through unlicensed Bangladeshi doctors, targeting their compatriots. The activities were concealed behind eateries or grocery shops to evade detection. – January 25, 2025